Free The Cannibals by Cynthia D. Grant Page B

do?”
    I was crying my eyes out. Campbell and Tim just stood there, staring.
    â€œI want to help people!” I wept. “And make this world a better place! With liberty and justice for all! But you can’t do anything if you’re just a normal person, living out a tiny little unimportant life! You’ve got to be big to accomplish something!”
    I thought Campbell, of all people, would understand. I collapsed in sobs. He put his arms around me.
    â€œTiffy, I’m so sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
    â€œThis is great,” I blubbered. “Now I’m acting like a baby, where everyone can see me!” I pressed my face against his chest to hide my embarrassment. Also, my nose was running.
    â€œIt’s all right, Tiff.” Campbell held me close. “You’ve been under a terrible strain. Worrying about Wally and this movie stuff. I’m sorry, Tiff. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. It’s just that sometimes it seems like—I don’t know—like you’re under a spell and can’t wake up.”
    â€œThen why don’t you kiss me?” I cried.
    Tenderly, so tenderly, Campbell kissed my forehead, and then each tear-streaked cheek. I’m not that into sex, but this is ridiculous. Why doesn’t he ever kiss me on the lips ? Could it be that Campbell respects me too much? Or could it possibly—a terrible thought crossed my mind—could it possibly be my breath ? Even though I brush and floss and use mouthwash?
    Just to make sure, I coughed into my hand, but all I could smell was Crest.
    Campbell offered to take me home, but I told him I had to be alone for a while. I needed time by myself, to reflect and think, and to absorb the many changes that were taking place in both my personal and professional life.
    Things were happening so fast. Too fast.

Chapter Eleven
    I was just reading Little Tina’s second autobiography, covering the past three years, age seventeen to twenty. It’s hard to believe somebody that young— good grief! When will my brother stop drumming ?
    It’s hard to believe somebody that young could have so many accomplishments in her life, starting with those famous toilet paper commercials when she was three, then soap operas, country music, movies, books, sportswear—not to mention her own TV talk show. A nice one, too, with no punching or screaming. Even the president of our country has been on it!
    She’s also got stuff in there like recipes for her favorite snacks, Weiner Boats with Cheese and Chocolate Haystacks; her thoughts about important issues facing teens today, like sex and drugs and implants; and lots of health and beauty tips. For example: If you’ve been sobbing, take two used tea bags—
    Now my mother’s screaming at my brother. How on earth does she expect me to concentrate and do my homework with all this noise ? This family is driving me insane!
    Family is also very important to Little Tina, as is God, who’s her best friend, so we have a lot in common. In fact, I was just arguing with Campbell about God. I’d called him up to say isn’t it great that Little Tina is going to be in our movie, and to try to talk him into taking the part of the basketball captain. Most people would kill to have a real part, and here’s Campbell acting like, Who cares, so what?
    I said, “Can’t you see God wants you to do it?”
    â€œGod wants me to be in a slasher film?” he said.
    â€œIt’s not a slasher film!” I retorted. “It’s a comedy!”
    â€œWhat could be funnier than dead bodies?” he said.
    Sometimes I think Campbell just likes to argue. He was really ticking me off, but I concealed it.
    â€œCampbell, this movie is the opportunity of a lifetime!” I said. “Who do you think made it happen?”
    â€œYou?”
    â€œWell, sort of,” I admitted. “But I